KUALA LUMPUR: The Malays need to be more aggressive to strengthen political and economic power in order not to be regarded as a weak race in their own country.

Former appeals court judge Datuk Mohd Noor Abdullah(pix) said Malay rights enshrined in the federal constitution have to be defended and the Malay leadership does not have to be apologetic to the other races.

"Result of the 13th general election (GE13) and the 'Chinese tsunami' show that the Chinese have forgotten about the bond established 55 years ago," he added.

Mohd Noor said although the Malays have high tolerance, they hate betrayal and show of disrespect.

"The future of our nation and religion is under threat. Some people may criticise me for saying this.

"Is it wrong in our religion to talk about race?

"The events of May 13, 1969, and those affecting Muslims are of concern to the people. When you see the current trend, it is not impossible for similar events to recur if efforts for unity are not done."

Muslim Intellectual Group member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said young Malays were not keen to fight for their race for fear of being called racists.

"The young failed to understand the Malay struggle because some clerics labelled it as 'assabiyah' or fanaticism," he said.

He also shared Nasharuddin's sentiment that there is no reason for Umno and PAS not to be united for the sake of religion and nation.